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A sensor-based system that measures at least one parameter relating to an
individual and provides feedback to the individual when any of the
measured parameters exceed a threshold value for that parameter. In some
instances, the system can be used to monitor an individual recovering
from a condition, for example, mild Traumatic Brain Injury. The system
can include a wearable sensor that measures parameters, which may relate
to the individual's movement, physiological function, and/or environment.
The system can include a controller that receives the parameter
measurements and determines whether such measurements are acceptable by
comparison to a threshold value. The system can also include a feedback
device that alerts the individual when a measured parameter is
unacceptable, for example, with a visual, audible, and/or haptic cue, as
well as the capability to receive input from the user when an otherwise
acceptable parameter level is causing discomfort.

1. A wearable, sensor-based system for monitoring an individual, the
system comprising: a sensor adapted to measure a parameter related to at
least one of movement, a physiological function, and environment of the
individual; a controller adapted to receive sensor measurement and
determine whether the sensor measurement is acceptable by comparison to a
threshold value; and a feedback device in communication with the
controller adapted to alert the individual when the sensor measurement is
not acceptable, wherein the controller is further adapted to periodically
increase the threshold value.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a plurality of
different parameter measurement elements.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a headband adapted
to be worn by the individual.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the movement parameter is selected from
the group consisting of linear acceleration, rotational acceleration, and
angular acceleration of a head of the individual and combinations
thereof.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the physiological function parameter is
selected from the group consisting of heart rate, body temperature,
cognitive activity, and amount of sleep.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the environment parameter is selected
from the group consisting of ambient light level and ambient noise level.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the feedback device comprises a
wearable device separate from the sensor.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the feedback device comprises a
wristband.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the feedback device alerts the
individual with at least one of a visual cue, an audible cue, and a
haptic cue.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the feedback device
and the sensor communicate wirelessly with the controller.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further adapted to
receive input from the individual indicating at least one of presence and
absence of discomfort.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the feedback device comprises an
interface adapted to be engaged by the individual to indicate at least
one of presence and absence of discomfort and to notify the controller.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the controller is further adapted to
decrease the threshold value upon receiving a communication indicating
discomfort.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the threshold value is decreased to a
previous level.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the feedback device comprises a mobile
telecommunications device.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the mobile telecommunications device
comprises at least one of a smartphone and a smartwatch.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the parameter further relates to
mobile telecommunication device usage.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further adapted to
communicate data to a remote data storage device.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the remote storage device comprises a
server that hosts the communicated data on a web portal.

20. A method of using a wearable, sensor-based device for monitoring an
individual, the method comprising the steps of: measuring a parameter
related to at least one of movement, a physiological function, and
environment of the individual; determining whether the measured parameter
is acceptable by comparison to a threshold value; alerting the individual
when the measured parameter is not acceptable; and periodically
increasing the threshold value.

21-27. (canceled)

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. provisional
patent application Ser. No. 62/049,611, titled "Wearable Sensor-Based
Condition Monitor," filed on Sep. 12, 2014, the disclosure of which is
herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] In general, various embodiments of this invention relate to methods
and systems for monitoring an individual and, more specifically, to a
sensor-based system that measures at least one parameter and provides the
individual with feedback when the parameter exceeds a threshold value.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Recovery from many conditions and/or injuries requires a
progressive approach in which the recovering individual gradually
increases activity level and/or environment exposure until a full
recovery is made. One such injury is mild Traumatic Brain Injury
("mTBI"), an example of which is often referred to as a concussion. In
some instances in this application, mTBI is referred to using the term
concussion. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, approximately two million individuals were diagnosed with
mTBI in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2010. Sports related
concussion in the US is estimated to occur between 1.8 and 3.8 million
times per year, and is expected to grow due to increased awareness
resulting from headline National Football League lawsuits, state
legislation, and medical science advancements. Despite the rapid growth
in awareness, the standard of care for recovery from mTBI itself lags
substantially. As an example, only 2-12% of emergency departments provide
written discharge instructions that include recommendations corresponding
to current best practices for mTBI recovery. In most cases, instead of
proactive management, as is the case with most other injuries, a "wait
and see" approach is employed. Even if appropriate instructions are
given, they are typically several pages long and require the patient to
establish and adhere to complex guidelines, such as maintaining heart
rate zones and sensory exposures. Not surprisingly, a patient who has
been diagnosed with a brain injury is often unable or unwilling to
undertake such cognitively taxing self-monitoring. As a result, patient
compliance is poor, which negatively affects patient productivity and
patient outcomes, as well as increases medical costs.

[0005] In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a
sensor-based system that measures one or more parameters (e.g., those
related to movement, physiological function, and/or environment) of an
individual and provides feedback when such parameters exceed a threshold
value. In some cases, the threshold values can be periodically increased,
such that an individual is gradually permitted to experience and/or be
exposed to increased parameter levels. One beneficial use of the system
is in facilitating the recovery from certain injuries, for example, mTBI.
Recovery from conditions such as mTBI typically requires the proactive
management of physical and cognitive rest. If individuals push themselves
too hard, they can be at an increased risk for a longer recovery. With
current approaches, it is difficult to establish, monitor and adhere to
appropriate levels of rest. While the brain cannot be physically
immobilized like other injuries, low cost sensor technology now makes it
possible to measure an individual's physical activity, cognitive
activity, sensory exposure, and sleep. By providing real time feedback
based on these measurements, individuals can be directed to participate
in an appropriate amount of physical and cognitive activity and to
increase quality sleep.

[0006] In embodiments in which the system of the present invention is used
to monitor individuals with mTBI, the system includes at least the
following improvements over the prior art. First, the system offers a
proactive approach that enables an individualized, progressive return to
full activity levels, as opposed to the current approach in which most
individuals are treated reactively after symptoms have gone untreated or
improperly treated. Experts agree that a progressive return to full
health is an effective way to manage recovery from certain conditions,
such as mTBI. For example, an individual diagnosed with such a condition
should keep physical and cognitive activity and sensory exposure to a
minimum level at the outset of the diagnosis. Once the individual is
symptom free at the initial activity level, the individual may engage in
an increased level of activity until symptom free (or until symptoms have
changed an acceptable amount) at that level. This progressive, step-based
approach is continued until the individual is symptom free (or until
symptoms are acceptable) at pre-injury levels and cleared for normal
activity. In alignment with this approach, certain embodiments of the
system of the present invention can increase threshold values that govern
activity levels automatically, if the patient does not alert the system
(e.g., through engaging an interface) that the patient is currently
symptomatic or otherwise experiencing discomfort or distress. In other
embodiments, the threshold values can be increased manually by the
patient and/or a third party (e.g., a caregiver, nurse, athletic trainer,
etc.).

[0007] In addition, the system can perform the difficult and often
neglected tasks of monitoring an individual's recovery parameters and
informing the individual when such parameters have exceeded a safe
threshold value, while gradually pushing the individual back to normal
activity through periodic increase of the threshold values. In the
absence of such a system, these difficult tasks may need to be undertaken
by a caregiver (e.g., spouse, parent, or guardian) or doctor who
generally do not have the time and/or skills for such time-consuming,
specialized treatment. Further, because some conditions such as mTBI have
no outwardly visible signs, they can be difficult to recognize as an
injury for both patients and their family, co-workers, and peers. This
lack of visibility often leads to questions about the legitimacy of the
injury in social, work, and school settings. In some instances, the
sensor-based system of the present invention may provide a visible
recovery tool that informs others that the individual wearing the system
is recovering from a condition and/or injury.

[0008] Another benefit of the present invention is that it can collect
data related to certain conditions and transfer such data to a
centralized database which can facilitate research, access by the
individuals and/or caregivers, archiving of data, etc.

[0009] In general, in one aspect, embodiments of the invention feature a
wearable, sensor-based system for monitoring an individual. The system
may include a sensor adapted to measure a parameter related to at least
one of movement, a physiological function, and environment of the
individual; a controller adapted to receive sensor measurement and
determine whether the sensor measurement is acceptable by comparison to a
threshold value; and a feedback device in communication with the
controller adapted to alert the individual when the sensor measurement is
not acceptable, where the controller is further adapted to periodically
increase the threshold value.

[0010] In various embodiments, the sensor includes a plurality of
different parameter measurement elements. In some instances, the sensor
can include a headband adapted to be worn by the individual. The movement
parameter can be selected from the group consisting of linear
acceleration, rotational acceleration, and angular acceleration of a head
of the individual, and combinations thereof The physiological function
parameter can be selected from the group consisting of heart rate, body
temperature, and amount of sleep. The environment parameter can be
selected from the group consisting of ambient light level and ambient
noise level. In some instances, the feedback device can include a
wearable device separate from the sensor, for example, a wristband. The
feedback device may alert the individual with at least one of a visual
cue, an audible cue, and a haptic cue. At least one of the feedback
device and the sensor may communicate wirelessly with the controller. In
some instances, the controller is further adapted to receive input from
the individual indicating the presence or absence of discomfort and, in
some cases (e.g., if the presence of discomfort is indicated), to
decrease the threshold value to a previous level in response to such
input. The feedback device may include a mobile telecommunications device
(e.g., a smartphone or smartwatch). In some cases, the measured parameter
relates to mobile telecommunications device usage. In some embodiments,
the controller is further adapted to communicate data to a remote data
storage device, which may include a server that hosts the communicated
data on a web portal.

[0011] In general, in another embodiment, embodiments of the invention
feature a method of using a wearable, sensor-based device for monitoring
an individual. The method may include the steps of measuring a parameter
related to at least one of movement, a physiological function, and
environment of the individual; determining whether the measured parameter
is acceptable by comparison to a threshold value; alerting the individual
when the measured parameter is not acceptable; and periodically
increasing the threshold value.

[0012] In various embodiments, the step of measuring a parameter includes
measuring a plurality of different parameters. The movement parameter can
be selected from the group consisting of linear acceleration, rotational
acceleration, and angular acceleration of a head of the individual, and
combinations thereof The physiological function parameter can be selected
from the group consisting of heart rate, body temperature, cognitive
activity and amount of sleep. The environment parameter can be selected
from the group consisting of ambient light level and ambient noise level.
In some instances, the step of alerting the individual includes providing
the individual with at least one of a visual cue, and audible cue, and a
haptic cue. The method may further include the steps of receiving input
from the individual indicating the presence or absence of discomfort and
altering (e.g., decreasing) the threshold value upon receipt of the
input. The method may further include the step of communicating data to a
remote data storage device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the
same parts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are not
necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon
illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following
description, various embodiments of the present invention are described
with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a wearable, sensor-based condition
monitor system according to one embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a chart showing a set of exemplary acceptable values of
some measured parameters at various levels, according to one embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing transfers of collected data,
according to one embodiment; and

[0017] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing a method for monitoring an
individual according to one embodiment.

DESCRIPTION

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a sensor-based
system that measures at least one parameter related to an individual and
provides feedback to the individual when such parameter exceeds (or in
some cases, falls below) a threshold value. Although this disclosure
primarily describes a system for use in conjunction with the treatment of
mTBI, in other embodiments the system can be used to monitor any
condition for which a progressive recovery approach is desired. Further,
in general, the system can be used in any situation in which a parameter
is measured, feedback is provided when the parameter extends beyond a
threshold value, and the threshold value is periodically altered, for
example, in training applications for use with athletes. Certain
embodiments of the system are described in greater detail below with
reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] In various embodiments, as depicted for example in FIG. 1, the
present invention includes a wearable, sensor-based system 10 for
monitoring an individual 12, which in some cases can assist the
individual 12 in recovering from an injury (e.g., mTBI). The system 10
may include a sensor 14 adapted to measure various parameters related to
the individual 12. In general, the sensor 14 can be placed on the
individual's body and/or worn by the individual 12 at a location that
allows the sensor 14 to gather appropriate measurements. For example, the
sensor 14 can be a headband, or included within a headband, skullcap, or
hat, worn by the individual 12. Other examples of the sensor 14 can
include a wristband, an armband, a skin patch, or a device that clips to
the individual's belt or clothing. In certain embodiments, the sensor 14
can be a mobile device 26 carried by the individual 12. The parameters
measured by the sensor 14 can include any measureable item for which the
individual 12 requires feedback. In some cases, the parameters can relate
to the individual's recovery from an injury such as the individual's
movement, physiological functions, and/or environment. More specific
examples of parameters that can be measured are described below.

[0020] In various embodiments, the system 10 includes a controller 16
adapted to receive a parameter measurement from the sensor 14 and
determine whether the measurement is acceptable, for example, by
comparison to a threshold value or a range of acceptable values. The
threshold value can be a value beyond which the parameter should not
extend or, in some cases, fall below, and such a value can be programmed
into the controller 16 for each parameter measured by the sensor 14. In
some cases, the threshold values can be set based upon appropriate values
for an individual recovering from a particular injury.

[0021] The system can also include a feedback device 18 in communication
with the controller 16 and/or the sensor 14. In situations in which the
parameter measurement taken by the sensor 14 is not acceptable by
comparison to the threshold value or range, the feedback device 18 can
alert the individual 12. In general, the feedback device 18 can be any
device capable of drawing the attention of the individual 12. The
feedback device 18 can be a wearable item, for example, a headband,
wristband, skin patch, device that clips to the individual's belt or
clothing, or a device carried by the individual 12. In certain
embodiments, the feedback device 18 is the mobile device 26 (e.g., a
smartphone, smart watch, or tablet computing device). Thus, the mobile
device 26 may be the sensor 14 and/or the feedback device 18. In some
such embodiments, alerts can be provided through execution of an
application located on the mobile device 26. As described below, in some
instances the mobile device 26 can also receive inputs from the monitored
individual 12 (e.g., to manually alter threshold levels, or to indicate
either a presence or an absence of discomfort). In some cases, the
feedback device 18 can be included in the same device as the sensor 14.
In other cases, the feedback device 18 can be a separate device from the
sensor 14. For example, the sensor 14 can be a headband and the feedback
device 18 can be a wristband. The controller 16 can be included in the
same device as either the sensor 14 or the feedback device 18, or in some
cases can be included in a standalone device. Communication among the
sensor 14, the controller 16, and the feedback device 18 may occur
through wired or wireless communication.

[0022] In general, the feedback device 18 can alert the individual 12 in
any way that draws the individual's attention, for example, with a
visual, audible, and/or haptic cue. As one example, the feedback device
18 can include a green light, a yellow light, and a red light, where the
green light is displayed when the measured parameter is below the
threshold value for that parameter by a predetermined amount, the yellow
light is displayed when the measured parameter is approaching the
threshold value, and the red light is displayed when the measured
parameter extends beyond the threshold value. Other exemplary ways in
which the feedback device 18 can alert the individual 12 include
generating an audible alarm and/or vibrating. Embodiments in which the
feedback device 18 alerts the individual 12 with a haptic cue (e.g., a
vibration) can be employed to maintain the individual's privacy, while
still informing the individual 12 that the threshold value has been
exceeded. The magnitude and/or duration of the alarm or vibration can
relate proportionally or otherwise to the magnitude of the measured
value, as compared to the threshold value or range.

[0023] In various embodiments, the threshold values can be periodically
altered such that the individual 12 can experience additional levels of
activity without being alerted by the feedback device 18. In some cases,
this approach can enable a progressive return to full activity for an
individual recovering from an injury. Taking an example of the system 10
being used to monitor a patient recovering from mTBI, one parameter the
sensor 14 may measure is the individual's heart rate. Research indicates
that individuals with mTBI should restrict their heart rate to a low
level in the initial stages of recovery (although complete physical rest
is not advised, as it can have negative consequences), and gradually
increase their heart rate in a tiered fashion until they return to full
activity. The system 10 can assist an individual 12 in implementing this
recovery approach. For example, the threshold value for heart rate can
initially be set at 80 beats per minute ("bpm"), such that the individual
12 will be alerted by the feedback device 18 if his or her heart rate
exceeds this amount. Alternatively, in embodiments in which the feedback
device includes green, yellow, and red lights, the green light may be on
when heart rate is below 70 bpm, the yellow light may be on when heart
rate is between 70 and 80 bpm, and the red light may be on when heart
rate exceeds 80 bpm. At the same time, the individual 12 can be assured
that participating in activities that do not result in an alert from the
feedback device 18 are appropriate. Thus, the system 10 can enable the
individual 12 to keep his or her heart rate in a desired range during
recovery by authorizing activity levels that do not result in an alert
from the feedback device 18 (thereby avoiding the negative consequences
associated with complete physical rest), but also alerting the individual
12 if his or her heart rate reaches a level that can impede the recovery
process.

[0024] At a predetermined or programmable interval, the heart rate
threshold value can be increased such that the individual's heart rate
can reach increased levels without the individual 12 receiving an alert
from the feedback device 18 (e.g., mobile device 26). In general, the
threshold values can be altered on any desired schedule, for example
every day, week, month, or on an irregular schedule. In some cases, the
controller 16 can automatically alter the threshold values at set
intervals. In other cases, the threshold values are altered upon the
controller 16 receiving instruction from the individual 12 or a
third-party (e.g., through engaging the interface 20 defined below). In
some instances, the controller 16 can be pre-programmed with a threshold
value for each measured parameter at each interval and/or with an
operative function for altering the threshold value at each interval
(e.g., increase the threshold value by 10% every three days). In other
instances, the individual 12 or a third-party (e.g., a nurse or
physician) can program the controller 16 with the threshold values. For
the purpose of providing a non-limiting illustration of the concept
described above, in some embodiments the threshold value for heart rate
can be altered such that at the end of each 24 hour period, the threshold
value is increased by 10 bpm. Taking the example given above, after 24
hours the individual may only be alerted if heart rates exceeds 90 bpm,
after 48 hours the individual may only be alerted if heart rate exceeds
100 bpm, etc. Although the above description focuses on the example
parameter of heart rate, any parameter monitored by the system 10 can
have its threshold value altered in a similar fashion. Various parameters
can be altered similarly or at different times and in different
increments as desired. FIG. 2 is a chart showing some exemplary
acceptable values of measured parameters at various levels. As shown, the
measured parameters may include: steps taken, amount of sleep, heart
rate, noise exposure, light exposure, smart device screen exposure,
and/or head movement. The head movement parameter is expressed in g-force
units. Measurement of this parameter may be used to ensure that a
recovering patient does not experience excessive g-force from relatively
short impact events that may occur during physical (e.g., athletic)
activity. For example, a standard football tackle may impart a 40 g-110 g
force, but for a relatively short period of time (e.g., only during the
impact of the tackle). The measured parameter shown in the chart may
allow a recovering patient to periodically work back to being able to
handle this type of force. Of course, human capacity for g-force over
longer durations is much lower; for example, some sources indicate that
experiencing a 16 g-force for a minute can be deadly. This experience of
g-force over a longer duration may be a different measured parameter, not
shown in FIG. 2. In general, the measured parameters and acceptable
values are shown for purposes of illustrating the concept of periodically
altering acceptable values as described herein and are non-limiting of
the invention. Other parameters may be measured, and other acceptable
values may be used.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the system 10 can include an interface 20
adapted to be engaged by the individual 12 or a third party. In general,
the interface 20 can be located on any part of the system 10, for
example, the sensor 14, the feedback device 18, or in some cases as a
stand-alone device. As described above, in some instances the individual
12 can engage the interface 20 to instruct the controller 16 to alter the
threshold values. In some instances, the individual 12 can engage the
interface 20 to signal to the system 10 that the individual 12 is
experiencing discomfort, or in some cases, not experiencing discomfort.
In such cases, in general, the controller 16 can alter the parameter
threshold values in response to such communication (e.g., if the user
indicates discomfort, to alleviate such discomfort). For example, the
controller 16 can reduce the threshold values to a previous level. Taking
the example alteration schedule of the heart rate parameter given above,
if the individual 12 engages the interface 20 signaling discomfort during
the time in the recovery process when the heart rate threshold value is
90 bpm, the controller 16 can reduce the heart rate threshold value back
to 80 bpm. After another interval, the controller can resume gradually
altering the threshold value until the individual 12 returns to
full-activity levels. In providing this capability, the system 10 can
ensure that monitored individuals are asymptomatic (or symptoms are
acceptable) before moving on to increased levels of activity. In other
instances, if the user signals no discomfort, the controller can alter
the threshold levels accordingly (e.g., on a more accelerated schedule).

[0026] Although the disclosure has primarily provided examples regarding
the system's monitoring of the individual's heart rate, as mentioned, the
system 10 can measure numerous parameters, examples of which are provided
in the following description. In an embodiment in which the system 10 is
used to assist the individual 12 in recovery from mTBI, the system 10 can
measure and provide feedback on three broad categories of parameters: (1)
physical activity, (2) cognitive activity, and (3) sleep.

[0027] Within the physical activity category, the system 10 can measure
and provide feedback to the individual 12 regarding heart rate as
described above. In addition, the heart rate data may be used to
calculate heart rate variability (e.g., using an algorithm logic
generated from the measured heart rate data). In a similar fashion, the
system 10 can measure and provide feedback regarding the individual's
body temperature. Also within the physical activity category, the system
10 can measure and provide feedback regarding the motion of certain parts
of the individual's body. For an individual recovering from mTBI, it can
be useful to monitor motion of the individual's head. Minor head
movements caused by seemingly innocuous behavior, like riding a bus to
school, sexual activity, or low level physical activity, has been linked
to delayed recovery and additional brain injury for those diagnosed with
mTBI.

[0028] Accordingly, the sensor 14 can measure the linear, rotational,
and/or angular acceleration of the individual's head and provide feedback
when such acceleration exceeds an acceptable threshold value. In order to
record such measurements, the sensor 14 may include a multi-axis
accelerometer.

[0029] The cognitive activity category can include direct measurements of
the individual's cognitive activity. For example, the sensor 14 can
measure an individual's cognitive exertion, for example, using an
electroencephalography (EEG) sensor, and the feedback device 18 can alert
the individual when such exertion extend beyond a threshold value.

[0030] Within the cognitive activity category, the system 10 may provide a
reminder to the individual 12 to take periodic breaks from cognitive
activity during non-sleeping hours.

[0031] Research has indicated that frequent cognitive breaks (e.g.,
periods during which the individual 12 is not taxing their brain) can
help the individual 12 recover from mTBI. Accordingly, the feedback
device 18 (e.g., mobile device 26) may provide a periodic reminder (e.g.,
with a visual, audible, and/or haptic cue) to the individual 12 to take
such breaks. As with other recovery parameters, cognitive breaks may be
implemented in a progressive manner such that the frequency of the
cognitive break reminders may decrease as the individual's recovery
progresses.

[0032] The cognitive activity category can also include parameters related
to the individual's sensory exposure. An individual's environment is
sensory rich, which can make it difficult for the brain to rest when
experiencing mTBI. Sensitivity to light and noise are common amongst
individuals diagnosed with mTBI. The adverse effects of noise, including
increased reports of fatigue, headache, and irritability, on both
learning and work environments is well documented. Accordingly, the
system 10 can measure and provide feedback related to the individual's
sensory exposure. For example, the sensor 14 can measure the individual's
light level exposure (e.g., lux levels and/or RGB levels), which can
include ambient light, and the feedback device 18 can alert the
individual 12 when such levels exceed a threshold value. The sensor 14
can also measure the individual's noise level exposure, and the feedback
device 18 can alert the individual when such levels exceed a threshold
value. In some cases, the mobile device 26 can be the sensor 14 and/or
the feedback device 18 measuring and/or providing feedback on the
individual's exposure to light and noise.

[0033] The cognitive activity category can also include the individual's
use of a mobile device 26, for example, a smartphone or tablet computing
device. Studies have shown that Americans check their smartphone an
average of 150 times, and spend an average of 2 hours and 38 minutes on
their smartphone or tablet, each day. In some situations, use of such
devices can be cognitively taxing and impede recovery from conditions
such as mTBI. Accordingly, the system 10 can measure and provide feedback
to the individual 12 regarding mobile device usage. In some instances,
the sensor 14 can be adapted to measure the amount of usage (e.g., time
and/or data consumption) of the individual 12 for a particular mobile
device 26, and the feedback device 18 can alert the individual 12 when
such usage exceeds a threshold value. In other embodiments, the system 10
can include an application located on and executed by the mobile device
26 that measures the mobile device usage. In such embodiments, the mobile
device 26 may function as the feedback device 18, as well. For example,
the individual 12 may receive visual alerts within the mobile device's
user interface indicating that the usage threshold value has been
exceeded.

[0034] Within the sleep category, the system 10 can measure and provide
feedback to the individual 12 regarding the amount of sleep received by
the individual 12. Amount of sleep can be an important parameter in
recovery from mTBI, as lack of sleep has been shown to produce adverse
effects, such as headaches and irritability, in individual's diagnosed
with mTBI. Many individuals are unaware that difficulty with sleep is
even a problem associated with mTBI and/or rely on subjective
measurements of sleep. Accordingly, the system 10 can measure the amount
of sleep received by the individual 12. In some instances, sleep can be
measured using an algorithm logic generated from an accelerometer. In
such instances, the sensor 14 may include an accelerometer which can be
located on any part of the individual's body, for example, the
individual's wrist or head. The algorithm logic may differentiate between
intervals in which the individual 12 is awake and asleep. This type of
measurement is sometimes referred to as actigraphy. In another instance,
sleep can be measured using an algorithm logic generated from an
accelerometer and a heart rate measurement. This type of measurement is
sometimes referred to as ballistocardiography. The feedback device 18
(e.g., mobile device 26) can alert the individual 12 if the amount of
sleep received falls below (or exceeds) a threshold value. The sleep
category of parameters can also include the individual's sleep
environment. Exposure to light, for example the blue light that is
emitted by smartphones and tablets, may have a negative effect on sleep
quality and therefore directly affect recovery from certain conditions
such as mTBI. Ensuring a room is dark and free of noise can be a first
step to ensuring the individual 12 receives proper sleep. Accordingly,
the system's measurement and provision of feedback regarding the
individual's sensory environment described above, can include measuring
and providing feedback regarding the light and noise levels in the
individual's sleep environment.

[0035] In various embodiments, the system 10 can locally store the data it
collects in a memory 22, and in some instances can transfer the data to a
remote storage device 24. The data collected by the system 10 can
include, for example, the measurements taken by the sensor 14, as well as
data regarding the feedback device's alerts to the individual (e.g.,
frequency of alerts, time stamps of alerts, and the individual's response
to alerts). In some cases, the remote storage device 24 can also receive
data collected by the individual's mobile device 26, such as usage data.
The remote storage device 24 can allow the monitored individual 12 and/or
a third party (e.g., a physician or a caregiver) to access the data. For
example, the remote storage device 24 may be a server that hosts the
communicated data on a web portal. In some cases, such a system may also
enable a third party to alter the threshold levels (e.g., remotely) based
on the measured data. As one example, if a physician interprets the
measured data to indicate that a patient is recovering faster than
typical, the physician may remotely alter the threshold levels
appropriately. In some instances, the remote storage device 24 may
aggregate the collected data from numerous individuals and make it
available (e.g., anonymously, with all personally identifiable
information removed) such that research can be conducted on the various
conditions that can be monitored by the system 10. FIG. 3 is a flow
diagram showing example transfers of collected data. FIG. 3 only
illustrates limited examples of collected data and data transfer methods;
other types of data may be collected and other data transfer techniques
may be used.

[0036] Although the above description focuses primarily on the system 10
being used in assisting the individual 12 in recovering from a diagnosed
condition, particularly mTBI, in certain embodiments the system 10 can be
used in any situation in which a parameter is measured, feedback is
provided when the parameter exceeds (or in some cases, falls below) a
threshold value, and the threshold value is periodically altered. One
example of such a situation can include an athlete following an athletic
training regimen. In such a situation, the training regimen may have
certain measurable parameters, for example, distance the athlete runs,
amount the athlete weighs, and the athlete's heart rate. In a similar
fashion as described above for assisting an individual recover from a
condition, the system 10 can measure such parameters, provide feedback to
the athlete when such parameters exceed a threshold value, and
periodically alter the parameters throughout the training regimen.
Another example of such a situation can include an individual following a
regimen for a mental health condition. Anxiety, depression, and
posttraumatic stress disorder ("PTSD") are all commonly diagnosed
conditions that affect millions of individuals. Once diagnosed, patients
are often directed to change their behavior in order to reduce causing,
provoking, or worsening symptoms. As an example, individuals diagnosed
with anxiety and PTSD can benefit from exposing themselves to increasing
levels of sensory exposure. In a similar fashion as described above for
assisting an individual recover from a condition, the system 10 can
measure relevant sensory exposure parameters, provide feedback to the
patient when such parameters exceed a threshold value, and periodically
alter the parameters throughout the regimen.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing an example method 400 for
monitoring an individual in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. The method 400 may include the step 402 of measuring a
parameter of an individual. For example, the parameter can relate to the
individual's movement, physiological function, and/or environment. The
method 400 may include the step 404 of determining whether the measured
parameter is acceptable by comparison to a threshold value or range of
values, and the step 406 of alerting the individual when the measured
parameter is not acceptable. The alerting step 406 can include providing
the individual with a visual, audible, and/or haptic cue. The method 400
can include the step 408 of periodically altering the threshold value,
which can include increasing or decreasing the threshold value. In some
embodiments, the method 400 can include the step 410 of receiving input
from the individual indicating the individual's discomfort with a current
situation or experience, and in some cases can include the step 412 of
decreasing (or increasing) the threshold value upon receipt of the input.

[0038] This input step 410 can be very effective in tailoring the recovery
or improvement to the individual. The input step 410 can be signaled with
a special button (e.g., a blue button) on the interface 20, the
controller 16, the feedback device 18, the mobile device 26 or via any
other appropriate input scheme. Empowering the individual 12 with control
over the recovery schedule can be a very effective function. This helps
to ensure user adoption and compliance with the recovery scheme, without
subjecting the individual to a particular regimen or schedule of activity
and exposure.

[0039] The terms and expressions employed herein are used as terms and
expressions of description and not of limitation, and there is no
intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any
equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof In
addition, having described certain embodiments of the invention, it will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments
incorporating the concepts disclosed herein may be used without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention. The features and functions of
the various embodiments may be arranged in various combinations and
permutations, and all are considered to be within the scope of the
disclosed invention. Accordingly, the described embodiments are to be
considered in all respects as only illustrative and not restrictive.
Furthermore, the configurations described herein are intended as
illustrative and in no way limiting. Similarly, although physical
explanations have been provided for explanatory purposes, there is no
intent to be bound by any particular theory or mechanism, or to limit the
claims in accordance therewith.